8 Secluded Stays With Saunas You’ll Want To Book Now

Saunas are popping up everywhere from bathhouses to recovery clinics with hot-cold contrast therapy but can you sauna where you sleep, too? You can at these slow stays.

1. Still at Freycinet, Coles Bay, Tas

Ladling water over the hot coals, steam rises in front of floor-to-ceiling glass – the only thing separating you from the pristine waters of Coles Bay on the Freycinet Peninsula.

a man sitting in a sauna at Still at Freycinet, Coles Bay, Tas — Take in the beauty of Coles Bay from within your private sauna. (Image: Renee Thurston)

Guests at Still at Freycinet – a three-bedroom architectural abode designed with hygge in mind – are invited to indulge in a ‘Nordic cycle’ during their stay: a hot sauna followed by a blast of cold beneath the outdoor shower, then a moment in the outdoor lounge to refuel with cider, chocolate and nuts from the complimentary sauna ritual pack. And repeat!

Exterior of sauna at Still at Freycinet — Indulge in a ‘Nordic Cycle’ during your stay. (Image: Renee Thurston)

Inside the lounge at Still at Freycinet — The modern abode is designed to allow the beauty of nature to flow inside. (Image: Renee Thurston)

Thick, fluffy bathrobes and essential oils add to the spa-like atmosphere while private yoga, meditation and sound bath sessions can be arranged during your stay. A private chef is also available to whip up Nordic-inspired meals post-sauna, either booked alone or part of a three-day self-guided wellness package.

a man sitting in a tub at Still at Freycinet, Coles Bay, Tas — The accommodation has been designed with hygge in mind. (Image: Ben Little @bennybnb)

2. Salty Brush, Kangaroo Island, SA

‘Luxurious wellness retreat’ is the vibe of this new three-bedroom bolthole, 150 metres from the sands of Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island.

The traditional Finnish barrel sauna at Salty Brush — The traditional Finnish barrel sauna offers year-round appeal. (Image: Rhyy Gaskin Photography)

The lounge area interior in Salty Brush — Aesthetically pleasing interiors flow through to luxurious outside additions like the sauna and spa. (Image: Rhyy Gaskin Photography)

The brainchild of two mates from Sydney, a builder and an electrician, the sustainable build – using prefabricated timber installed on ground screw piers to minimise waste and environment impact – is not only aesthetically beautiful inside but a six-person spa bath and a traditional Finnish barrel sauna elevate the al fresco experience for year-round appeal.

a outdoor spa bath at Salty Brush, Kangaroo Island, SA — The six-person spa bath is a luxurious addition. (Image: Rhyy Gaskin Photography)

Salty Brush is fuelled by rainwater and 80 per cent renewable energy thanks to the onsite solar panels and batteries, while walls are hung with works from Sydney artist, Montana Moore, all of which are available to purchase.

The bathroom at Salty Brush — Every design detail has been made with wellness and relaxation in mind.(Image: Rhyy Gaskin Photography)

the wellness area at Salty Brush, Kangaroo Island, SA — Salty Brush is centred around wellness. (Image: Rhyy Gaskin Photography)

3. The Pavilion, Spring Beach, Tas

Overlooking a full-size tennis court, The Pavilion not only has the perfect bush-swaddled setting for Pimms in the sun after a few sets, but the west-facing sauna and wellness deck allow you to take in the beautiful sunsets at the end of the day.

the exterior of The Pavilion in Spring Beach, Tas — The Pavilion is set in a laidback bush setting.

Alternate between the traditional Finnish sauna and cold shower, with robe, slippers and a hydration sachet at hand.

a traditional Finnish sauna at The Pavilion in Spring Beach, Tas — Nourish yourself on the sauna and wellness deck.

Then turn your eyes to the sky to spot the resident wedge-tailed eagle, wander down to the sands of Spring Beach, and make use of the supplied pizza base ingredients to cook up a feast in the woodfired pizza oven.

the tennis court view from The Pavilion, Spring Beach, Tas — The Pavilion overlooks a full-size tennis court.

4. Fila Marrakesh Private Retreat, Doonan, Qld

Found 15 minutes from the hubbub of Hastings Street in Noosa, Fila Marrakesh Private Retreat has been designed with wellness in mind. A sister property to Alsahwa Retreat in Noosa (a wellness-focussed farm stay on a regenerative macadamia farm), here a sparkling pool hovers over lush landscaping while a converted shed houses an infrared sauna, ice bath, and private gym.

lush greenery setting outside Fila Marrakesh Private Retreat, Doonan, Qld — Reconnect with nature at Fila Marrakesh Private Retreat. (Image: Aimee Dodge Photography)

While it’s open to regular stays, it really comes into its own as a retreat venue. Design your own or call on the in-house concierge service to add a private chef, personal trainer, breathwork sessions or yoga classes.

the surrounding forest at Fila Marrakesh Private Retreat in Doonan, Qld — Every element has been designed with wellness in mind.

Four bedrooms are in the main residence, while a tiny home with two more double beds is also included in the price, sleeping up to 13 guests.

the bedroom at Fila Marrakesh Private Retreat — A good night’s sleep is guaranteed. (Image: Aimee Dodge Photography)

5. Shearers Studio at Little Valley Farm, NSW

Hovering above a machinery shed on a working farm in the Wollombi Valley, the sauna experience at Little Valley Farm is as down-to-earth and authentic as it is secluded.

the exterior of Shearers Studio at Little Valley Farm — The Shearers Studio at Little Valley Farm is a secluded hideaway.

Inside the Finnish sauna at Little Valley Farm in the Hunter Valley — The Finnish wood-fired sauna is crafted by hand. (Image: Lee Besser)

Crafted by hand by co-owner Euan Wilcox, using mostly reclaimed timber, the Finnish wood-fired sauna and adjacent rainwater-fed shower is beloved by guests who report the deepest sleep they’ve had in years – especially snuggled in the king size bed beneath a handmade doona filled with alpaca wool from their farm.

a king size bed at Shearers Studio at Little Valley Farm, NSW — Get cosy in the king-size bed with alpaca wool blankets.

The Shearers Studio is set 100 metres from their other quirky accommodation offering – a 1950s Sydney Train carriage.

two chairs facing a wine barrel table at Little Valley Farm — Life’s little luxuries are also part and parcel if a wellness weekend at Little Valley Farm.

6. Leighton House, Tas

The sandstone wellness deck at Leighton House in northern Tasmania is so spectacular you could be forgiven for spending all your time outdoors. Here, the stage is set for a rotation between the cedar barrel sauna, outdoor shower and hot tub – either before or after you roll out the yoga mats for a stretch.

Light the fire pit and return with a glass of wine picked up from the Tamar Valley, right on your doorstep. As beautiful as the 121-hectare farm is – with views of Ben Lomond Mountain – the suites in the meticulously restored Georgian cottage and its architectural extension are also worth retreating to on their own.

Sunset at Leighton House — Watch the day slip away from the wellness deck. (Image: Adam Gibson)

Lounge room at Leighton House — The interiors are as stylish as they are comfortable. (Image: Adam Gibson)

7. Dales Run, Jamberoo, NSW

Set between rolling green hills and the ocean just five minutes from Kiama on the South Coast, Dales Run provides the ultimate setting for a DIY wellness retreat.

Views from the balcony at Dales Run near Kiama — Rise to meet views of rolling green hills.

Owner and health practitioner, Jessica McIntyre-Geering, noticed a lot of people struggling with post-Covid nervous system burnout and built a specialised Wellness Room alongside essential oil and tea rituals in response.

Painting ritual at Dales Run near KIama — Dales Run offers a take-what-you-need approach to wellness.

Infrared sauna at Dales Run — The infrared sauna is one of the many wellness options to take advantage of during your stay.

During your stay, you’re invited to pick a ritual card that resonates and jump in the infrared sauna, have a cold outdoor shower, then enjoy the outdoor bathtub and finish around the firepit, sipping tea blended by Jess.

The outdoor bathtub at Dales Run — The outdoor bathtub is a novel way to end the day.

Yoga mats and virtual classes are on hand, while onsite massages, kinesiology and NER (Naturopathic Emotional Release) sessions can also be arranged.

8. Scandi House, Lorne Vic

If there’s one thing five-time Olympian and gold medallist Lydia Lassila knows, it’s the power of recovery. Combine that with a professional athlete spouse, who’s also a Finn, and it’s inevitable that their luxurious Lorne holiday home would come with a sauna.

Scandi House keeps the whole family happy while you treat your temple – give them the plunge pool and inground trampoline, while you take the reformer pilates studio, sauna and deep bathtub overlooking the beach.

The Great Ocean Road has captured the hearts of Australians with its astounding scenery since 1932, but going off-course can enrich your experience with untouched nature, foodie delights and charming towns.

It’s a chilly 16 degrees. My husband pulls on a steamer and jogs – as all seasoned surfers do – into the water. We’re at Bells Beach , the legendary break on Victoria’s Surf Coast that’s home to the Rip Curl Pro, the world’s longest-running event in competitive surfing. Each year, over the Easter long weekend, up to 40,000 people descend on the region for the event. Today, though, we have the beach almost to ourselves, and the less-than-favourable temperature doesn’t deter my husband from surfing this famous break.

Torquay to Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

The red dome of Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The nearby surf town of Torquay marks the starting point for the Great Ocean Road . Unfolding our map, which we have marked out with a highlighted route for our children to follow, we set off for lesser-known Anglesea, a chilled-out town 20 minutes south of here. Its wide, sandy beach is a gentler swimming option for our young family. Groms can learn to surf here with Go Ride a Wave, which also runs stand-up paddle boarding on the Anglesea River.

Split point lookout — The lighthouse overlooks the Shipwreck Coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

After a couple of nights in Anglesea, we hit the road again, first stopping at Aireys Inlet. Here we stretch our legs at Split Point Lighthouse, which was made famous by the 1990s television series Round the Twist, before driving under the Memorial Arch that welcomes us, officially, to the Great Ocean Road.

This 243-kilometre coastal road was built by returned First World War servicemen and serves as a permanent memorial to those who fought and died during the war. Carved into rock using hand tools and horse-drawn carts, it was a huge engineering feat and provided much-needed access to isolated coastal communities.

Lorne to Birregurra

Lorne is a delightful beachside stop for lunch and browsing boutique stores. It’s also the gateway to Great Otway National Park , which comprises a varied landscape of old-growth forests, cool-temperate rainforests, heathy woodlands and rugged coast. With the highest rainfall in Victoria, the region is home to many waterfalls – 10 of which are within 10 kilometres of Lorne.

Turning slightly off the main drag, we wind along a gum-shaded road to Erskine Falls. Here, our son leads the way through the hyper-green rainforest and down 200-plus stairs to the cascade that drops 30 metres into a lush fern gully. We hop over large boulders to get closer to the falls, enjoying the entire place to ourselves; it’s worth the return climb.

From Sheoak Falls Picnic Area, there are walking trails to Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Won Wondah Falls and Kalimna Falls, some of which follow an old timber tramway from forest-logging days, which only came to an end in 2008.

You can follow your appetite north to the town of Birregurra, which is part of the Otway Harvest Trail that connects farm gates, markets, wineries, breweries and distilleries. It’s home to three-hatted modern Australian restaurant Brae , helmed by celebrated chef Dan Hunter, set among native gardens and an organic farm, and Otways Distillery, which produces small-batch spirits using local produce and botanicals.

Brae restaurant — Brae is a three-hatted restaurant in Birregurra. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Apollo Bay to The Otways

Back on track, the cliff-hugging stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is breathtaking. At Teddys Lookout, we overlook the winding road ahead and St George River spilling into the ocean. We spend languid days in Apollo Bay, a buzzy seaside town that boasts a three-kilometre-long, crescent-shaped beach with a backdrop of rolling green hills. One evening, as the sun sets, we take the steep 10-minute walk to Marriners Lookout, which affords panoramic views of the ocean, hinterland and town.

A 15-minute drive along the road, Maits Rest is a lush rainforest gully that has been protected since the early 20th century. Wandering along the 800-metre boardwalk, we inspect the delicate moss-covered forest floor and the gnarled roots of 300-year-old myrtle beech trees, then crane our necks to see their canopies, some 50 metres above us. It’s therapy in nature.

Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles

The southernmost tip of Cape Otway is a delightful detour, home to the 1848-built Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. We climb the narrow winding staircase to the gallery deck, explore the keepers’ quarters and telegraph station, and enjoy a coffee and some ‘famous’ scones at the charming onsite cafe.

It’s a pinch-me moment to finally see the Twelve Apostles in person. This unmistakable cluster of limestone stacks rising abruptly from the sea were never 12, however. When coined this in the 1890s as a marketing ploy, there were only nine; today, only seven remain after two collapsed in 2005 and 2009. We admire these Aussie icons from the viewing platform, in awe of Mother Nature’s ever-evolving artwork.

The Grotto is another natural attraction within Port Campbell National Park. (Image: Carmen Zammit)

Edging the wild Southern Ocean, this part of the coast – dubbed Shipwreck Coast – is made up of many sea-carved natural wonders including London Bridge, The Grotto and Gibson Steps. After exploring the lookout trails of Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool – its English name taken from the site of the 1878 shipwreck – we nestle into the sandy beach encircled by towering sandstone cliffs, as our children splash about on the water’s edge, and soak it all in.

Port Campbell to Timboon

Timboon Fine Ice Cream is part of a regional foodie trail. (Image: C McConville)

Just north of Port Campbell National Park, the region of Timboon is part of the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail, filled with purveyors of delicious foodstuffs such as Timboon Fine Ice Cream , Timboon Railway Shed Distillery and Apostle Whey Cheese. As an antidote to the indulgence, the 20-kilometre Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng Trail is a self-guided ride or walk between Port Campbell and Timboon through tall forests, over historic bridges and past sparkling lakes and farmland with grazing cattle.

Warrnambool to Port Fairy

Warrnambool building — A 19th-century building in Warrnambool. (Image: Peter Foster)

In Warrnambool, a town rich in maritime history, we take the four-kilometre Thunder Point Walk that traces the coast. The kids squeal when an echidna shuffles out from beneath the wooden boardwalk, and we stop to admire a seal lazing on a rock at the port.

Further along, the streets of quaint fishing village Port Fairy are lined with 19th-century cottages, old stone churches and Norfolk pines. Follow the historic walking trail to see some of the 60-plus National Trust buildings. Port Fairy is also home to Port Fairy Folk Festival (6-9 March), one of the country’s longest-running music and cultural festivals. You could time your road trip with the event for a fittingly celebratory end to any journey.

The Great Ocean Road can easily be done in three days, but we’ve spent a week on the road. The highlighted line on our now creased and well-worn map doesn’t follow the famous route precisely. It has sprouted branches in many directions, leading us to untouched rainforest and charming rural towns filled with culinary delights, and where we experienced some of our most memorable moments on the Great Ocean Road.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

The Monty is a highly anticipated, newly refurbished motel with a chic Palm Springs-inspired aesthetic set across the road from the Anglesea River. Basalt Winery in Port Fairy grows cool-climate wines such as pinot noir and Riesling in rich volcanic soil. Stay among the vines in its tiny home, complete with a kitchen, lounge area and outdoor firepit.

The Oak & Anchor Hotel has been a Port Fairy institution since 1857. Cosy up by the bar in winter or bask in the sunshine of the Lawn Bar in summer. The rooms are beautifully boutique with considered details, such as luxe baths for sinking into post-road trip.

Eating there

The Coast in Anglesea is a modern Australian restaurant focused on local ingredients. Grand Pacific Hotel has been a local landmark in Lorne since 1879 and recently underwent a restoration. It serves a mix of traditional pub and Italian fare alongside ocean views.

Graze is a cosy 40-seat dining room in Apollo Bay with a modern Australian menu complemented by regional wines. Apollo Bay Distillery offers tasting flights, a gin blending masterclass and serves woodfired pizzas.

8 secluded stays with saunas you’ll want to book now